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Worst epic fail of her scientific career? Falling for a cyborg she helped create.

Kyra Winters never meant for her cyber science discoveries to be used for evil, but that’s exactly what happened. Now returning Peyton 313’s humanity is the last chance she’ll ever have to atone. She can’t get back the lost decade, but she can change the present by restoring the cyborg who was once Marine Captain Peyton Elliot.

Certainly her grand plan for rectifying her mistakes didn’t include madly kissing the confused, passionate Marine when he begged her to. The same scientific mind that constructed the cyborg creator code now warned her not to let Peyton’s tempting offers of heaven cloud her rational decision making. Yet it’s difficult to resist the cyborg she’s restoring when he’s also the most intriguing man she’s ever known.

EXCERPT

Satisfied by his fierce complaining, Kyra walked back to the chair and knelt at his feet again. She had thumb-printed the chair restraint locks so a light swipe across the sensor instantly opened them. After the ankle ones were removed, she removed the one across his chest. Lastly, she moved to his wrists, pausing as she met his questioning gaze. She had to tell him what she was feeling. The urge was too compelling and his gaze was too full of hope. “Today you are more yourself than you’ve been in a long time, Captain Elliot. Since this may be the only nice conversation you and I are ever going to have, I want to thank you for your military service and all the amazing things you’ve done. I’ll even admit that you’re far more charming than your record indicated. In another time and another place, I might have been willing to play all kinds of flirty games with you. But this is definitely not that time or place. We are suspended between heaven and hell right now, and neither of us is an angel.”

“Sleep in the cage with me tonight and I’ll show you heaven, Doc. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a woman as much as I want you right now. Sorry if the speed of my interest offends your sensibilities. I’m listening to a little voice that keeps yelling inside me. It’s saying this may be my one and only chance to get you to see I’m more than just some super soldier machine in need of fixing.”

Kyra felt her lip tremble and bit it hard to make it stop before she answered. “I already know that about you. That’s why I’m doing this. Now don’t make me like you any more than I already do.”

Kyra wondered if Peyton’s desire for her was a lingering after-effect of all those years of Cyber Husband programming? He would have studied her file extensively because Norton would have made him do so. He would have learned all he could about her likes and dislikes. That’s how the program worked. She purposely hadn’t removed that chip because she needed him to like her at least a little for just a while longer.

Peyton stared at the woman’s disappointed face. She looked ready to cry and he couldn’t stand seeing her that way. “How about a kiss to test your theories about us, Doc? Just one. I need it and I think you need it too. You already admitted you weren’t married. Look—my wrists are still chained to the chair. What could one kiss hurt? Come on—what do you say?”

Kyra sighed. She was as exasperated with him as she was charmed by his pleading. Tomorrow Peyton Elliott was going to hate her. She was one hundred percent sure of it because it had been proven true twice already before him.

Tomorrow when Peyton Elliott knew the truth, he would hate his life and those who had consigned him to his living hell. Tomorrow the machine would be partially back and Peyton would not be this light-hearted, mostly human version of himself. He would be a new kind of redefined cyborg. While no one knew what that was going to be like—not even her—she would bet her retirement Peyton was still going to hate her after he integrated the present with his past.

“Please—one kiss, Doc. That’s all I’m asking,” Peyton whispered.

Kyra sighed loudly. “You’re a hard man to say no to and today I’m a sentimental fool. Close your eyes, Captain. I haven’t kissed a man in a long time. I can’t look at you or I’ll lose my nerve.”

When Peyton sighed dramatically in return and leaned his head back, Kyra climbed on the electrical shield at the bottom of the operating chair until she was standing between his legs. Heat emanated from every inch of the man and he still smelled a little like burnt circuitry. Yet underneath that stark reality, Peyton also smelled masculine and very alluring.

Kyra sighed again. “I wish I could send you out the door to live whatever kind of life you want just as you are right now. That’s what you deserve, Captain Elliott. I want that badly for you, but I can’t make it happen. Your cybernetic enhancements require you to retain knowledge of how they work. Too much is at stake and the outcome of your healing affects more than just the two of us. But thank you for giving me a glimpse of why putting you through this hell is so important. This moment—it’s very humanizing for both of us—to want to be kissed and then be kissed. Thank you for sharing this moment with me.”

“Man, you sure talk a lot. Still waiting for that kiss, Doc,” Peyton said. He was keeping his eyes tight and his mind off how sexy she sounded when she got all philosophical.

Kyra snorted at his chastising. She touched her lips to Peyton’s and instantly found her bottom one nipped aggressively between two rows of even teeth. Moaning at the delicate trap he’d set for her, her body tipped forward against his and she had to catch herself on his wide shoulders. Her hands slipped over them and down his chest without her mind questioning the action.

When she moaned against his mouth, Peyton ordered himself to turn loose. After he did, he stared hard at the lip he’d bitten. The woman wanted him. He could taste it, smell it, and damn it he wanted her too. It was exhilarating to feel such pure desire flowing so freely through his cells.

A demand to sate that intense longing came from some desperate part of him that was both familiar and strange at the same time. What the hell was happening to him mind? It was both relieving and like finally waking up after being asleep for too long.

“Climb up here and give me a real kiss, Doc. And don’t be so damn stingy with sharing your tongue. I intend to use it to imagine what else I’m going to do when you cut me loose from this freaking chair.”

Groaning at how aroused he’d just made her with his sexy declaration, Kyra climbed into Peyton’s large lap to straddle him. It gave her better access to his mouth and the chance to indulge just a little more as she eased her hips down on him. She sighed at her nearly out-of-control feelings and touched her forehead to his.

“The only reason I’m doing this is because I know you’re going to take great pleasure in ridding yourself of this memory tomorrow. I won’t blame you for that action, Peyton. I think it’s the smartest thing you could do.”

“Stop whining about what hasn’t happened yet, Doc. It’s damn cruel to suggest this instant attraction between us is nothing. Now kiss me like you want to—and damn it I know you want to. I am a cyborg, you know.”

He ordered his processor to store the image of her face just as she caved into his demand and dipped her mouth to his. Her lips were lush and hot and wet, and her kiss was the most deliriously wonderful experience he could recall happening in ages. He watched her eyes close in pleasure as he strained towards her, but froze in the chair when he saw two tears run down her face. A second later, tears were flowing off her chin in two tiny, steady streams.

“What? What is it, Doc? What’s wrong with this? The attraction is mutual, isn’t it? We’re alone in here just the two of us. I’m wearing too many damn restraints to do much harm to you. Hell, keep the chair restraints in place woman—just be with me before I die from wanting you.”

“I can’t. I can’t take advantage of you, no matter what I’m feeling,” Kyra said, lifting her arm to swipe at her eyes. “Thank you for the sexy kiss, Captain. It’s been a very, very long time since I felt anything remotely close that level of desire for a man. Even if you wipe this away, I’ll never forget it—or you.”

Kyra slid reluctantly off his lap and straightened her clothing. “I’m going to release the last of the chair restraints now. Please keep your distance so I don’t have to use the controller. I’ve hurt you enough in the last couple of days.”

Review

To be honest, despite the awesome cover and blurb, I was a little leery of this story. I love my sci-fi romance when I read it, but I’m not usually one for cyborg romance. However, I WAS curious about how this was to unfold, so I volunteered to review it and here we are!

Firstly, I loved the world Donna McDonald created. It was a realistic and well-visioned 22nd century. Honestly, because this was a romance first and foremost, the world was excellently done. If this were a sci-fi first, though, it would be a tad lacking. However, since I don’t usually read straight science fiction, it had just the perfect amount of detail into the world our story takes place in and I honestly wouldn’t change it. Yes, she could have expanded on it more, but it didn’t need to. It was enough to give us answers and setting without distracting us from the actual story. This is the story between the cyborg Peyton and Kyra and emotions, and about everything in between.

Okay, Peyton was hot. Even me – the non-cyborg fan – thought he was hot. I’d take him. He could be my fiction book boyfriend #4 of this week! I loved how he was from start to finish, his emotions, needs, the chemistry with Kyra, everything was very well done. Now the hard part. I didn’t like Kyra for the first third of the novel. I seriously thought she was too big of a crier. I mean, I can read just about any type of heroine, and especially love timid, weak ones finding their power. However, I really dislike whiners and criers. So, I was rather upset with our main heroine for quite a while into the book. BUT once you get to understand her and her past better, you find you can tolerate the first part of the story better. Still didn’t LIKE it, but I understood it. Plus she turned into such an strong woman later on.

Storyline was excellently surrounding the two main characters, which in a romance, is par for the course. The writing was a tad awkward with dialog sometimes when a character does or says something I personally didn’t think fit well, or sounding too weird or cheesy. But these times weren’t that often and easily overlooked. As long as it doesn’t jar me from enjoying the story, it’s not too bad of a negative.

Overall, this story is definitely worth the read. Anyone on the fence curious enough about a cyborg romance or just brave enough when their first thought is someone boinking a terminator without the human skin? Yeah, that WAS my first thought. I know, I know, that’s more of an android, all machine. Cyborg DOES have human parts. But yeah, still thought terminator boinking a human. Very weird for me. Ahem, in any case, you all NEED to get this book. It’s a great read!

Donna McDonald is an active dreamer and finds writing to be the best way to use her creativity.

Needing to satisfy both sides of her brain, she is a cross-genre author of contemporary, fantasy, and paranormal romances. Her books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more.

She craves laughter from her readers and focuses her attention on making that happen as often as possible. She loves to hear from anyone who has read her books.

Donna McDonald considers herself blessed to be a best-selling author in Contemporary Romance, Humor, and Paranormal Romance. Paranormal reviewers are calling McDonald “a literary alchemist effortlessly blending science fiction and romance”. Contemporary and humor reviewers often write to tell her that the books keep them up laughing all night. She likes both compliments and hopes they stay true forever.

Her idea of success is to be sitting next to someone on a plane and find out they are laughing at something in one of her books. She hopes that will be you.

Ashlyn Murphy was not living the dream. Twenty-seven years old, college educated, up to her eyeballs in debt and yet she’d been relegated to pouring beers at a local bar. She desperately needed an out and was willing to do anything to get back into the corporate world. Well, almost anything. Dan Evans, Rock Star was NOT one of those things. In fact she despised him. Apparently he didn’t get the memo.

Dan Evans, bass player of international rock band Power Station had it all. He was rich, travelled the world, played to millions of adoring fans and had no shortage of beautiful women willing to share his bed. He didn’t need a moody redheaded knockout with a superiority complex complicating his life. Or did he?

When two people who couldn’t be more opposite cross paths, it’s bound to be explosive; sometimes all you can do is sit back and enjoy the show.

OMG!! I really don’t need a review other than that, do I? I mean… an ass-kicking rock star romance that is hilarious? What more needs said? Oh, you probably already saw the nifty cover and read the niftier blurb. But let me tell you neither did this novel justice.

The two main characters, Ash and Dan, are so completely opposite and yet so incredible suited to each other, it is absolute fireworks, earthquakes, supernova explosions when they come together. I can’t rave enough about them. It might be that I absolutely adore the rock star type of man with tattoos and attitude, or it might be that I like independent women in my novels. Whatever it is that T. Gephart figured out to write such ass-kicking chemistry, she needs to bottle it and sell it. It’s so rare to see a romance that has such perfect chemistry. I have to admit to being in love with Dan though. I’d steal him. Yummy.

As for the actual plot – although, who needs plot after the simple words ‘ass-kicking rock star romance’? Seriously, do any of you care after I just drooled over the main man? Who IS the one that is a rock star? Oh, okay, there probably IS one person who cares. Honestly, I do too. Even if the rest of my review were politely worded negatives, the amazing characterization and chemistry between the couples would give this book a solid 3 stars.

However!! This author can write! This is my first novel from this author and I’m going to get the rest of her books put on my TBR list and try to get to it ASAP. Admittedly, I can’t actually FINISH my TBR list in this lifetime it is sooooo big. But I did snatch up Lexi – the first prequel novel of her Lexi series. It IS free right now. Link is somewhere in this post!

Okay, I kind of got the topic, didn’t I? Ahem. Storyline. Check. I mean, this is a rock star romance, so yeah, admittedly some plot points WERE a tad predictible. It didn’t bother me, but it might bother someone. Being as when I read MC romances, or sports romances, or rock star romances, there will always be that predictable element as that is why we read those books. BUT the rest of the story had me laughing out loud and seriously made those around me think I was nuts. I was also pleasantly surprised in places, and even had a sniffle or two for other spots in the novel. The writing was good enough to evoke emotional responses in me, and THAT is something. I’m pretty stoic, so seriously? This woman can freaking write!

So to summarize, if you don’t read this book, I think you should have your rock star romance card revoked.

T’s approach to life has been somewhat unconventional. Rather than going to University, she jumped on a plane to Los Angeles, USA in search of adventure. While this first trip left her somewhat underwhelmed and largely depleted of funds it fueled her appetite for travel and life experience.

With a rather eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history, T struggled to find her niche in the world.

While on a subsequent trip the United States in 1999, T met and married her husband. Their whirlwind courtship and interesting impromptu convenience store wedding set the tone for their life together, which is anything but ordinary. They have lived in Louisiana, Guam and Australia and have travelled extensively throughout the US. T has two beautiful young children and one four legged child, Woodley the wonder dog.

An avid reader, T became increasingly frustrated by the lack of strong female characters in the books she was reading. She wanted to read about a woman she could identify with, someone strong, independent and confident who didn’t lack femininity. Out of this need, she decided to pen her first book, A Twist of Fate. She enjoyed the process so much that when it was over she couldn’t let it go. T loves to travel, laugh and surround herself with colourful characters. This inevitably spills into her writing and makes for an interesting journey – she is well and truly enjoying the ride!

Based on her life experiences, T has plenty of material for her books and has a wealth of ideas to keep you all enthralled.

(SJ’s Comment: For the record, sometimes with formatting you can NOT get a line to obey. So I’m so sorry about the format up there. I could not get that line to go back to where it is supposed to be. *sigh*)

Daisy Mangold thought she had her life figured out until a roadside bomb in Afghanistan changed everything. Now a twenty-one-year-old military widow, Daisy moves back home to start over.

Cam Hunter won the reality show The Spotlight, and thought he was on his way to becoming the next big country star. But when whispers of how he won begin to surface, Nashville is less than welcoming. After he loses his record deal, Cam heads back home to open a country bar. When Daisy meets Cam, she isn’t sure she’s ready to let go of the ghosts from her past. Cam’s ex-wife isn’t ready to move on either, and the tragedy she causes will expose Cam’s secrets and shatter Daisy’s family.

Will Daisy be able to follow her heart into a future with Cam, or will her grief keep her trapped in a past that no longer exists?

Review

Before I get into the actual review, I’d like to say, the model and actual cover of this book is amazing! The female model is so beautiful and she fits just perfectly for this book. Heck, the title is perfectly suited as well! So bravo whoever designed the art and such to grab our attention. it definitely worked! The cover was the entire reason I joined the review tour of this book!

As for the characters, I want to first lay claim to Cam. Seriously. He’s mine. No one else get him. He’s my current book boyfriend. I don’t even LIKE country music, but even I have to admit some male country artists are seriously hot. Ahem, I’m a little off topic here. It’s not just that he’s a country artist. It’s the way he was written in Secondhand Heart. I absolutely fell in love with him in this novel and I nearly cried when it was over because that meant, no more Cam! OMG!

As for Daisy, I did like her but I wasn’t as emotional invested in her as I was in Cam. However, the fact she meshed so well with Cam and the chemistry between them that you could actually feel made up for that, I think. The romance and heat between the main characters was very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their growing relationship.

The overall story was also nicely done. It kept me entertained and hooked as any good story does. There were a few parts that were a tad awkward, but overall, also nicely done. NA isn’t my normal genre (and if I do read it, it’s usually paranormal romance based) but I do enjoy it and I can happily say this novel is worth the read. Seriously. (Yes, seriously is my word today). Pick it up, NA readers! You won’t regret it.

Kristen shares a birthday with Steven Tyler and Diana Ross. She spends each day striving to be half as fabulous as they are. She’s worn many hats, none as flattering as her cowboy hat: banker, retail manager, fledgling web designer, world’s worst cocktail waitress, panty slinger, now makeup artist and author. She loves sunshine, live music, the middle of nowhere, and finding new things to put in her house.

“Lily looked over her shoulder and, seeing no one, began to relax. It was just her imagination. It had to be, didn’t it? She could not remember a time when she did not feel as though someone was watching her.”

Live for Today

Spring Island Trilogy #2

Sandra Steiner

Lily looked over her shoulder and, seeing no one, began to relax. It was just her imagination. It had to be, didn’t it? She could not remember a time when she did not feel as though someone was watching her.

Sitting on the beach watching the calm water always seemed to help to ease the panic. The waves were gently lapping against the driftwood on the beach. The sound of the seagulls was soothing. The smell of the salty ocean air was comforting. So why couldn’t she just relax? Today, it did not seem to be working.

Last night the dreams had kept her awake through most of the night. If only she knew what they meant. She was so tired of them. They had plagued her for her entire life, as long as she could remember anyhow. Today was a day filled with questions, and she just wanted answers. All her life she had worked at blocking memories.

Maybe it was time for her to lay her past to rest. The idea of it terrified her, and she really wasn’t sure why. She wanted to move forward in her life; it was time.

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Excerpt

Lily made the drive out to the ferry’s loading area. There were ferries that went every couple of hours or so. As she waited in line for the ferry to take her to the mainland, her mind drifted to her dreams. She pulled out her dream journal and began to make notes about what she knew about her past. It was difficult at first to think about it. But it was necessary. She knew that now. She had been keeping the journal for a while now; the counsellor had suggested that it might highlight some of the recurring events and make things easier to figure out.

Her mother’s name: Andrea Gail Hayes Her father’s name: Tyson John Hayes The town she was born in: Rollingway Birthday: 28 August 1980

Listen to Sandra’s Radio Interview

TEN FUN FACTS

1. Sandra went to the bar for the first time (legally) at the grand old age of 41.

2. Sandra has two beautiful grandchildren.

3. Sandra loves quotes!

4. Sandra believes that by encouraging others to do their best, everyone succeeds.

5. Sandra has three more novels in progress!

6. Sandra loves to read all genres from erotica to young adult!

7. Sandra believes in angels.

8. Sandra loves connecting with readers, bloggers, and other authors. Communication is very important to her.

9. Sandra and her husband love long walks, and enjoy going to the movies!

10. Sandra loves the beach and the ocean.

Meet the Cast

Live For Today Review

First off, I just wanted to congratulate whoever came up with and designed the cover, however many people that might be. It’s a beautiful piece of art and so lovely to look at, yet it does a great job of intriguing us readers into looking at the blurb!

Second, holy freaking wow!! Storyline wise, this was such a plot-twisting masterpiece! I mean seriously. The little hints kept you guessing throughout the entire book and the outcomes were a complete surprise to me. I am truly in awe over the ability to do that. Even some of the big-named authors have a hard time surprising me and Sandra Steiner did a masterful job of it! I’m pleasantly shocked! See, book lovers, this is why reading indies is such a passion of mine.

Character wise, I liked Lily. I really felt connected to her throughout the story and that was very well done. The less important characters were very well thought out and portrayed, although I’m not sure I felt anything so deep as I did for Lily. It could have been a tad better in engaging my emotions for or against them. However, other than that, the character development was spot on.

Overall, the entire story kept me entertained and wanting to find out what happens next. It was a ‘just one more chapter’ type of book. Kept me up way too late the other night, even. So nice job. 4 stars!

Cherish the Past (Spring Trilogy Book #1)

Excerpt

Angie sighed. A small smile began to form as she recalled the moments that led up to this incredible feeling. Life was good-no, life was amazing. It hadn’t always been, but today at forty-six, it sure was. She had reached a good space in her life. She was content, in love, at peace with her past, and excited about her future. Tomorrow she was marrying her soul mate. She had nearly given up hoping she would find him.

He had actually prayed that she would find him before his birthday. Or so he said, and she had no reason not to believe him. As she sat on the beach watching the waves roll in, the memories of a lifetime came crashing in, reminding her to cherish the past . . .

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Cherish the Past Review

I just wanted to say, I’m not much of an inspirational novel reader, but this first book in the series was amazing. I wasn’t sure what I expected, but the range of the dark, powerful emotions of Angie’s past was not it. That poor woman. I felt for her for the entire novel and I’m extremely happy at how it ended. It was a near-perfect ending. Truly a good novel that will make you feel for the main character in ways a good novel should. I was nicely surprised at how this all worked out.

As far as character development goes, the story did a nice job at almost every aspect of Angie’s past. I felt a little more could have been expressed during certain deep moments I won’t name for fear of spoilers, but other than that, it was nicely done. You truly felt anger and even hatred for Alex; you truly felt sympathy and pain for Angie, and you were truly happy she found love.

The entire story kept me up later than I wanted, and it definitely kept me engaged. As any good novel should. It’s shocking that an inspirational kept me engaged so well. At least to me. So I’m so thrilled to give this installment a solid 4 stars.

About the Author

Sandra Steiner relocated to Vancouver Island in 2010 to pursue a dream of living near the ocean. She met her soul mate Cory in the spring of 2013 and a short six months later they were married. They combined lives, homes, children, and fur babies to create a life they both love. They are both creative individuals and as Sandra writes, Cory composes music for an upcoming CD.

There are parallels in Sandra’s writing and real life, that’s true. However, the motive for writing her novels is to inspire her readers to be strong, independent women. Sandra believes if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. The novels are suitable for teen through adult readers. Both of Sandra’s novels have been well received, and Cherish the Past has recently been awarded the gold seal of literary excellence!

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.

When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life, not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

Now she looked more at ease. “I see. Are you seeking a consultation over Cole’s rotator cuff injury?”

Cole stiffened. He glared at Wyatt.

“I haven’t told her a thing,” Wyatt said with raised palms.

“You didn’t have to say anything,” she said with a shrug, leaning back against Rowan’s desk. Her keen gaze met Cole’s. “I noticed that you favored your left hand throughout your meal, using it to drink, eat, and bring your napkin to your mouth, but you’re a right-handed pitcher. And just now, when you moved to clear space on the couch, you stopped breathing and swallowed hard when you moved your right arm, telling me you’re hiding pain and have a reduced range of motion.”

His mouth opened over her observations. He looked again at Wyatt. His brother gave him a look that said, See?

“But how do you know it’s a rotator cuff injury?” Cole asked. Could other people see what she did? If so, he was so screwed.

“That, I’ll admit, was an educated guess based on your age and profession,” she answered. “I’ve only observed your symptoms and haven’t done any scans or tests to confirm. You’ll want to rule out bursitis, tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, and other possible causes of your shoulder pain, of course.”

Despite what he’d seen this evening and his brother’s assurances, Cole was surprised by Everly’s quick assessment. She looked like she should be out club-hopping, not spouting medical jargon with such an intent expression on her face.

He also realized, since she knew his profession, that she had known who he was the moment she saw him. So why hadn’t she mentioned that before now? Maybe she wasn’t a fan.

“We’ve had scans done,” Wyatt said. “X-rays, an MRI, the whole load.”

He moved over to the desk. Everly stepped to the side as Wyatt reached over to retrieve the large manila envelope resting there. She hit Cole’s leg and nearly toppled onto his lap. Out of instinct, he reached out to help her maintain her balance. His hands ended up on her nicely shaped rear end.

She sprang away like a gazelle fleeing a lion. When she turned to look at him, he realized her cheeks were nearly as red as her hair. Her reaction went a long way toward putting him back on an even keel.

“I don’t bite,” he said with a grin. “Come and have a seat.”

He patted the cushion beside him. She looked at it warily, then moved her gaze to him. He patted the cushion again. Her lips moved on a whispered comment of some kind as she stepped around his legs and sat down. It was a small victory, but he felt better.

When he turned to look at her, he caught her scent, a unique fragrance that reminded him of whipped vanilla cream and frosted wildberries. She met his gaze. The combination of her nearness, her scent, and the cautious look in her lovely eyes had his whole body reacting.

Oh, this was such a bad idea.

Review

If you’re looking for a sweet New Adult Contemporary romance, this is definitely the novel for you! I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was effortlessly entertaining, and even with the darker aspects, you still felt the overall sweetness of the story. That is both a pro and a con, however. Sometimes one needs those deeper aspects to fully connect with the main characters of a story and I felt that was the case here.

Cole, despite his drunken beginning, was a nice guy. He was the perfectly nice baseball player with looks, attitude, and awesome athleticism. Everly was smart, sweet, and almost perfectly naive. She was definitely good at what she did, and you can’t help but like her, but I think I might have connected with her a tad more if she had had some sort of flaw there. Outside of grief in her past, she’s practically perfect. Cole was also almost too nice to be real. You like him, but like with Everly, I’m not sure there is a real deep connection.

However, the story keeps you guessing, and entertained, as the small bits of information that gets doled out was done expertly and with just the right amount of mystery that you can’t help but love this story. The overall plot and setting of the story was very well done. The author obviously knew her baseball! (At least it seemed like it to me, and I don’t know squat about baseball!) So awesome storytelling.

The overall romance was heated but unfortunately not as heated as I felt it was hinted at. I don’t mean it should have been full out erotica, but it seemed like it should have been steamier. There wasn’t anything wrong with it being more ‘clean’ than I expected, exactly. It just seemed to fit a more YA title than NA. But there was definitely some great sparks between Cole and Everly.

Overall, I have the characters, whom I liked very much; the story which was very, very well-done, the chemistry between the characters, and the connection with the reader, which was also good. However, I felt it could have been a tad bit better in connecting with us readers, or making us feel everything the characters did. This story was a very sweet romance and well worth snatching up and reading, especially if you want a sweet romance with a very HEA to read. I mean there IS a reason I keep using sweet in this review!

4 stars!

Author Bio:

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Hitting His Swing by Cassidy K. O’Connor

Book 2 of the Love Protector Series

Jake Reynolds has everything he could want in life, fame, fortune and the greatest job in America as a professional baseball player. He didn’t realize anything was missing, until the day he met Chelsea Simmons.

Chelsea is Jake’s biggest fan and can’t believe her luck when she wins a contest to meet the players on the field before a home game. Meeting Jake was a dream come true, she never thought she had a chance at love with him.

After finding his soul mate but ignoring his heart Jake goes into a hitting slump. Chelsea is what society calls a curvy woman, Jake fears she won’t be accepted into his world and would rather give up being with her than risk her happiness. Can he continue playing ball knowing his soul mate is within reach?

Keara’s second mission as a member of the faery clan The Laochra Gra is vastly different from her first. She has her work cut out for her putting these two in situations that usually end in unexpected and hilarious antics. Can Keara help them see past society’s small mindedness and give into the love they feel for each other?

Review:

I love the premise behind the book. I love the idea of using the Fae in this manner, making the focus on the book about finding a true mate. I even love the idea of fighting the preconceptions of curvier women vs. skinny ones. I love that the author chose this story for that. I most especially love that he’s attracted to her as she is. We need more books like that!

I love of course Keara. She’s the strongest character in this book I thought. Jake I did like, although I felt he deserved a bigger presence, I guess would be the best way to describe it. I adored that he loved Chelsea the way she was, though. (I know, I made a redundant statement). That he thought of her happiness first. And Chelsea was a sweet curvy woman that was very well portrayed. I most especially loved Jake for the fact that meeting her and knowing he was giving up something made him lose focus playing. It kind of emphasized how much she would and did mean to him at that point. Nice job, Cassidy!

As this is the second mission of Keara’s, I found myself enthralled by reading how she dealt with this couple’s obstacles. I know I’ll be just as engrossed in the third mission as well!

There were some awkward scenes, but overall, I would definitely recommend this read! There is something about the whole idea that makes you want to see what Keara’s next mission is. Like I said, she is the strongest force in the novel I thought. My only problem with this series is I wish I could connect a bit more with the main couple. However much I connect with Kaera, I should feel more for the main couple. So a nifty 3.5 stars!

And if Cassidy is taking requests, I’d love to see Kaera end up with someone! However you make that work, it’d be awesome!

Top Ten: Animals

Dogs

Horses

Unicorns (does it have to be real?)

Miniature elephant (Journey to the Center of the Earth 2)

Kittens (not cats, they aren’t active enough for me)

Spider Monkeys

Penguins

Panda Bear

Giraffe

Otters

(Sj’s Comment: Real? Of COURSE not! You can add in the paranormal or fantasy as whim insists!!)

This or That:

Coffee or Tea?

Hot tea but my favorite is sweet tea (cold), it’s always frustrating to visit up North and you can only get unsweet tea!

Diet or Regular?

Definitely Regular and Definitely Coke

Chocolate or Carrot Sticks?

Chocolate is near and dear to my heart, we are deeply connected on every level. I am a fan of carrot sticks though, especially when eating buffalo chicken.

Definitely spiders – those bitches have no qualm about crawling on you. At least snakes try to get away most of the time.

Homebody or Social Butterfly?

Tough one…I used to be a social butterfly but I found most people to be undependable. I got really tired of last minute cancellations so I have become more of a homebody now.

TV or Books?

A year ago I would have said books, since taking writing more serious and actually publishing I’ve found I need a break from books and turn to TV.

Damon or Stefan?

I have a teenage daughter so I have watched some Vampire Diaries and definitely think Damon is hotter but those guys have nothing on Sam and Dean from Supernatural! I’m Team Dean in that case 🙂

Team Edward or Team Jacob? (LOL)

Just off looks and personality I’m all about Jacob, after reading the series I don’t think you can actually be on a team. Jacob is not meant for Bella so it’s not really a question.

Vampire or Werewolf?

If I had to choose I would go with werewolf – I don’t want be with someone that is immortal if I’m not and depending on which story line you follow they can only be with you at night. I want my lover by my side as much as possible!

(SJ’s Comment: Oh, Team Dean from Supernatural all the way!! Or Team Castiel, because he’s such a hoot sometimes. In a hot, clueless type of way. Or he’s doing bad things. Or he’s not. You never know!)

Author Bio:

Cassidy K O’Connor is a born and raised Floridian who loves to travel but never forgets where her roots are. She married her high school sweetheart, they have 3 kids and a crazy dog. Travelling and reading are her two favorite hobbies. Cassidy loves all things Ireland and has been lucky enough to visit twice. Her first book ‘The Evolution of Sam’ was published August of 2014 and she has plans for many more.

Ironically, it all starts with a popular book about BDSM. When Angelina Jameson steps into her boss’s office armed with an acid article about ‘Billionaires, BDSM and Blah-blah-blah’, she thinks her career will take off. But her career aspirations drop into second place when she finds herself face to face with her nemesis.

Blade Spencer is the new editor-in-chief of Unabridged—the literary magazine where his ex-lover Angelina works. For three years, since she fled small town Jamestown without a word of explanation, they haven’t heard from one another. Now, when they meet again, the past and all the feelings they once had between them come rushing back, making them realize their love has never died. But can they reconcile their new circumstances and the changes that have occurred during the three years they were apart? Neither is the person the other used to know.

Then there is the faceless shadow who hunts them from the dark, driven by obsession and greed…

Excerpt

“Choice?” His voice rose as the ambiguous surprise on his face faded, once he understood. “You’re talking to me about choices? What choice did you give me, Angelina? We could have worked it out, but you took it upon yourself to make my decisions for me without even telling me. You left me like a coward, letting me think you didn’t love me anymore, letting me drown in misery all these years without a word of explanation! I didn’t even know if you were still alive!”

His booming shout almost rattled the windows, and made me absurdly angry.

“Well, you seemed to have recovered quickly, and enough to take a wife!” I screamed back at him, pushing my face close to his. “And I’ll bet that Allie person wasn’t the only one you’ve slept with during all this time!”

“Oh, you’re always quick to judge! Have you lived like a nun since you left me?”

“Yes!”

The word vibrated in the abrupt, disbelieving silence.

Next thing I knew, his hand grasped the back of my head and his mouth came down hard on mine. His tongue darted deep inside my mouth, forcing my lips to open, as he yanked me to him in a desperate embrace. It didn’t even occur to me to protest. On the contrary. I responded to his kiss with the blind surrender I yearned for. I swept his mouth with my tongue, thrilling in the masculine taste and scent of him. My fingers plowed through his hair, holding his head in place for our stormy, passionate kiss. Our breaths were shallow and loud, mingling together like swirling steam. Even though our clothes were still wet, heat was radiating from our hot bodies.

His hands were everywhere, cupping my face, sliding all over my body, combing through my damp hair. I trailed my tongue over his jaw, then descended down the skin of his throat, grazing my teeth greedily over him, intoxicated by the avalanche of unleashed desire that had gathered up inside me for three years.

I fumbled with the buttons of his clinging wet shirt, then tore them off impatiently to bare his chest to my eyes and touch. He was superbly built, even more gorgeous than I recalled him to be, all subtle muscles delineated by shallow lines that defined his pectorals and abdomen. His chest was dusted with a perfect amount of dark hair.

I tasted the low sound that vibrated in his chest when my mouth closed over his nipple and sucked greedily. When I flicked my tongue over the other, his fist tightened in my hair and he dragged me back to him, kissing me with increasing urgency. His hands slipped under my wet T-shirt, cupping my breasts. They fit so right in his palms and I moaned, overwhelmed by the pleasure of his knowing touch. He slid the T-shirt over my head and took me in his arms. I pushed my body against his, rubbing my breasts against his bare chest, frantic to feel his naked body close to mine. His hardness pushed against my middle and he drew me closer, cupping my bottom with strong hands, as he continued kissing me hungrily.

He lifted his head and I saw his eyes were smoky with arousal, just as mine must have been. His voice sounded rough when he said, “Do you want to go to the bedroom?”

“No,” I whispered, biting his lower lip and dragging him to the floor.

The rug felt soft and cozy beneath my bare back, and I was thrilled by the feel of Blade’s weight on top of me. He kissed my mouth, my neck, then stopped on my breasts, sucking one nipple deep in his mouth, then moving his attention to the other one. I gasped and struggled with the zipper of his pants. When I folded my fingers around his steely length, we both stopped breathing for a moment.

“God, I want you so much, Blade! You can’t imagine how I’ve longed for you all this time,” I said raggedly.

“Yes, I do. I love you, Angelina,” he whispered raspily. “You are and always will be my woman. Sweet and innocent, yet who inspires sin.”

As he looked down at me, his eyes were filled with love and tenderness, and clouded by primal lust. He tugged at my shorts and panties, and I kicked them aside. Then he discarded the rest of his clothes, remaining gloriously naked. I only had one moment to admire his impressive erection, before he stretched above me. Our bodies fit like the halves of a two-pieces puzzle. I quivered in response to the nearness of this monument of raw sexuality.

He sent his tongue deep inside my mouth, just as he slipped inside me. The throbbing pressure made me tense. After three years of abstinence on my side, I think we both relived the loss of my virginity, but this time I was more than ready. The pain of his penetration was brief, but the pleasure was infinite. I arched my hips up to meet his, as he rocked against me, inside me. He was hesitant at first, mindful of hurting me, but as I relaxed under him, his strokes became more powerful, more possessive. He pushed up hard, until I wrapped my legs around his waist and sank my teeth into his shoulder, shaken by a brain-melting orgasm. I think I cried out his name, but the pounding of my heart was so loud in my ears that I couldn’t be sure. When he felt me tensing around him, Blade sank all of himself into me and came, uttering a low, guttural sound, with his face buried in my neck.

Review

This is a second chance romance with a crap ton of humor thrown in for shits and giggles. Rat the cat was bloody hilarious. Ahem, so I was writing out the review. Blade and Angelina are the starring couple of this short, steamy novel. I’m not going to recap the series here because it’s recapped way up there in the synopsis and I hate being redundant. Now, about the book!

First off, and I know this has nothing to do with the actual story, but I had to say, I freaking adore the cover. I mean seriously! I have no idea who came up with the idea, or guidelines, or whatever, but the artist did an amazing job putting that together!

Secondly, Angelina is freaking hilarious. She just is, Melinda De Ross can write some serious humor (…oxymoron there), as in, I fell off my bed laughing, knocking my laptop over. I also laughed out loud while hanging out with my mother watching tv. She thought I was nuts. Blade, I thought, was well-rounded for the length of the novel, although he didn’t really stand out to me. Except for the sex scenes, of course. But I’ll discuss those later. In any case, Angelina and the humor actually made the story for me.

Now then, the actual story. I felt the novel could have been longer and a bit more drawn out. This plot idea could have been brilliant but it fell a little short of that. I also had a few issues with dialog being kind of weird. Not like the characters were supposed to be weird. Just the dialog didn’t feel natural to me in some places and that made it a tad jarring when reading. This oddness also prevailed a bit in the actual writing, but the dialog part really stood out. And the sex scenes were hot and steamy! Definitely a plus!

Overall, the story kept me engaged and laughing, and of course, with the hot sex scenes, blushing! (I’m kidding, sex scenes don’t make me blush, they make me very hot as does this book’s cover!) With Angelina and Rat the cat, I’d give this story 3.5 stars!

Author Bio

Not long ago, to my surprised delight, somebody described me as being “charming, witty, supremely talented and dangerously fun”. I don’t know how accurate this description is, but I’m curious if the readers will find some of these features reflected in my writing. Speaking of my writing, I must mention that living in Romania – which is considered a projection of the enigmatic and much controversial Shambala, the supposed spiritual center of the Earth – is quite a source of inspiration. I have a native inclination to the occult and paranormal, to mystery and philosophy. The woman in me is a romantic and sensual creature. All these considered, I could describe my writing as being captivating, intriguing, sensual in places and, on the whole, a surreal experience. Enjoy!